Late last year, Breyers reached an $8.85 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning the labeling of its Natural Vanilla ice cream.
The settlement addresses claims that the product’s labeling misleadingly suggested it was flavored exclusively with natural vanilla from the vanilla plant.
Those affected have until Wednesday, February 19 to submit a claim and potentially receive a portion of the settlement funds.
Newsweek reached out to Breyers for comment via email on Monday.
Why It Matters
This settlement provides a means for affected consumers to receive financial compensation but also sets a precedent that could encourage stricter labeling standards across the food industry to protect consumer interests.
Stock photo of white ice cream in a waffle cup
Stock photo of white ice cream in a waffle cup
Anastasia Farkhullina/Getty Images
What To Know
In November 2024, a settlement was reached in a lawsuit against Conopco, Inc. and Unilever United States, Inc. The companies were accused of having misleading labels on Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream that said they contained only natural vanilla flavors when the product allegedly included non-vanilla sources.
The defendants have denied wrongdoing, and the court hasn’t yet ruled. Eligible claimants must file by February 19, 2025, to receive compensation.
Who’s Eligible for Breyers Ice Cream Settlement?
If you purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream in any size between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024, you’re considered an eligible “Settlement Class Member.”
This eligibility spans all consumers who bought the product in the U.S. within this period, regardless of the size of the product or the amount purchased.
How to File a Claim
Eligible consumers must submit a claim by February 19, 2025. Claims can be filed online through the settlement website or via mail to the following address:
McKinley et al. v. Conopco, Inc. et al.
Claim Administrator
P.O. Box 2813
Portland, OR 97208-2813
The process involves filling out a claim form, which can be completed with or without proof of purchase.
How Much Are Payments?
Claimants with proof of purchase will receive $1.00 for each unit of ice cream purchased during the eligibility period.
Those without proof can claim $1.00 per unit for up to eight units per household. Payments may be adjusted depending on the total number of claims submitted.
What People Are Saying
A Breyers spokesperson told TODAY.com in October: “While we don’t comment on litigation, Breyers Natural Vanilla is made with naturally sourced, Rainforest Alliance certified vanilla, and is carefully crafted to deliver the quality and taste people have loved for over 150 years.”
What Happens Next
Following the approval of the settlement, Breyers is required to reformulate the vanilla ice cream to meet the agreed standards within 12 months.
The final payouts to the claimants will proceed after the resolution of any potential appeals, ensuring that all affected consumers are compensated.